Senate Resolution No. 126

BY: Senator BRESLIN

CONGRATULATING Barbara Michalski upon the occasion
of her designation as recipient of the National Grid
Coordinated Community Response Award by Unity House

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve
the best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration
and cannot be sufficiently extolled; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Michalski has given not only of her time and
energies but also of her competence, intelligence and leadership and
consequently has been designated for special recognition; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate
Barbara Michalski upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the National Grid Coordinated Community Response Award by Unity House to
be celebrated at its Domestic Violence Awareness Event and Art Show on
Wednesday, October 19, 2016, at The Arts Center of the Capital Region,
Troy, New York; and

WHEREAS, Unity House is a Rensselaer County-based human service
agency that provides a wide range of services to meet the otherwise
unmet needs of people in our community who are hurting and struggling;
it assists those who are living in poverty, adults living with mental
illness or HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, and children with
developmental delays; and

WHEREAS, A native of the Capital District, Barbara Michalski earned
a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology; in 1983, she started working
with National Grid, originally Niagara Mohawk, as a Meter Reader; and

WHEREAS, After working in various roles in the company, Barbara
Michalski became the Consumer Advocate in 1999; she assists low-income
and special needs customers and provides early intervention, information
on a variety of assistance programs, crisis bill pay management,
outreach, and education; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Barbara Michalski offers a variety of services
to home-bound customers and provides presentations on energy saving
tips, health and safety issues, payment options and preparation for
power outages; she has advocated for consumers in need and has worked
within her organization for greater understanding of the needs of
consumers facing challenges; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Michalski has been called upon to contribute her
time and talents to countless civic and charitable endeavors and has
always given of herself unstintingly; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Michalski currently serves as a member of the
Albany County Disaster Response and Recovery Committee and the Community
Investment Committee for the United Way as well as the Rensselaer County
Long Term Care Council; and

WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of her community service, a
period of constructive involvement, Barbara Michalski has stood constant
in dignity, good grace and humor and has earned the respect and
admiration of her colleagues, family and friends; and

WHEREAS, Barbara Michalski has exhibited compassion, humility and
unselfish dedication in everything she has done and continues to do for
the disenfranchised members of our community; and

WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an
individual for the benefit of others which Barbara Michalski has
displayed throughout her life; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Barbara Michalski upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the National Grid Coordinated Community Response Award by
Unity House; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Barbara Michalski.